Related Articles

You might think that a plant with the nickname "spider" attracts bugs. It's enough to make any home gardener think twice about growing this plant. In reality, spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are one of the most commonly grown houseplants. Attractive in containers or hanging baskets, they can also be cultivated outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11.

Spider Plants

Spider plants are composed of long, slender leaves that are variegated in many cultivars. The leaves arch gracefully and can reach lengths of 16 inches. The plants are so named for the plantlets, or offsets, that they produce after flowering. The plant produces flowers on long, thin stems that can be up to 2 feet in length, easily surpassing the length of the leaves. The plantlets appear at the end of the stems after the small flowers have faded, looking like nothing so much as small spiders dangling from the end of a string.

Common Insect Pests

Although this plant does not do anything to specifically attract bugs, it can, like most plants, be bothered by insect pests. Spider plants may suffer from infestations from scales, aphids, mites and whiteflies. Other insects may occasionally bother the plant, but these are the most common, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Insect Pest Treatment

If your spider plant does have bugs, you might need to take some steps to get rid of them. If you have a just a few insects on your plant, try hitting it with a strong stream of water -- this just may wash the bugs off your plant. If your spider plants seems pretty infested, consider treating them with a pesticide. Choose one that is the least toxic, such as plant oil-based insecticides. If yours is an indoor plant, take it outdoors before you spray it, and follow the directions for application -- including protecting your eyes and skin -- before you treat the plant.

Cultivation

Spider plants that are healthy and thriving are better able to withstand that occasional bug attack. Although they tolerate shady conditions, spider plants are best grown in full but indirect sunlight, especially if you are growing it indoors. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. They prefer soil that is continually moist during the warm summer months but not overly soggy, as this can lead to fungal diseases. In the winter, let the soil dry to the touch before watering it again. When you do water, use rainwater or filtered water, as the chemicals in tap water, especially fluoride, may cause the tips of the leaves to turn brown.